Philip Shaibu and other PDP leaders have switched allegiance to APC in Edo State. Discover the reasons and political consequences.
During the inauguration of the National Working Committee for Edo State’s forthcoming governorship election by APC, there was a defection. Notable personalities such as Abdullahi Ganduje – former Kano State Governor and present APC National Chairman- Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo State Governor and Bassey Otu from Cross River state were among those in attendance at this event on Saturday.
APC’s prominent figures including Edo State Chairman Jarett Tenebe, Senator Monday Okpebholo who is contesting for governorship and ex-governor Adams Oshiomole graced the gathering.
Publicly announcing his intention to join the APC, Shaibu received a formal welcome from the National Organising Secretary upon joining the party.
Following a recent clash, where Shaibu accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of barring him from entering Edo State, this is viewed as a strategic political maneuver.
Read Also: I’m Unofficial APC Member in Edo – Philip Shaibu
Shaibu expressed his disappointment in an interview with Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” alleging that the governor had directed his staff to prevent him from entering the state. As deputy governor and a citizen, Shaibu emphasized his legal right to access Edo State.
In addition, Shaibu recalled a past occurrence in November 2023 when he declared his candidacy for governorship on the PDP platform.
He claimed that Obaseki had threatened to ruin him, but Shaibu affirmed his resolute commitment to staying engaged throughout the election phase leading up to the governorship elections on September 21.
The tensions worsened when Shaibu accused Obaseki of masterminding an assault in Benin City, connecting it to the governor’s prior warnings.
During a violent face-off between security forces and suspected gunmen aiming to attack his convoy as well as APC candidate Monday Okpebholo’s, Shaibu mourned the death of a police inspector.
Shaibu expressed his disapproval of Obaseki’s conduct towards the deputy governor in the interview, alleging that they had not been paid their salary for an entire year.
He assured his dedication to safeguarding the deputy governor’s office from any harm, emphasizing that he was not pursuing self-interest but instead aiming to uphold the respect of this establishment.
Edo State politics is experiencing a tumultuous period with Shaibu’s defection and the increasing divide between him and Governor Obaseki.
As political alliances continue to change, the forthcoming gubernatorial election is anticipated to be hotly contested.
